Nearly half of all employees say financial challenges cause them the most stress in their lives. It’s important to target stress at the source. The Employee Assistance & Counseling Center provides personalized counseling and various resources designed to help you cope with financial stressors and empower you to take charge of your financial wellbeing.
See the EACC's financial wellness services below for more information.
Financial Wellness Counseling
Need financial guidance but not sure where to start? An individualized financial wellness counseling session will help you gain a better understanding of your financial situation, while teaching you the best options for managing your finances and paying off debt.
The UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center has recently partnered with Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (LCFCU) to provide financial counseling services to employees and their immediate household members.
To get started, use the link below to complete the EACC Financial Counseling Intake Form. Once you have filled out the form, reach out to LCFCU directly at financialed@legacycreditunion.com to schedule an appointment with one of their certified counselors.
UAB Financial Wellness Program
The UAB Financial Wellness Program offers financial tools for early, mid and late career employees, as well as student loan assistance and additional financial wellness resources designed to help employees cope with financial stressors, build financial skills and feel confident about their future.
Visit uab.edu/finwell to explore the variety of financial wellness resources available to UAB employees.
According to the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, a critical incident is an abnormal or traumatic event with the potential to overwhelm a person's usual coping mechanisms, resulting in psychological distress and an impairment of normal adaptive functioning. In the workplace, this might be an event that could result in changes in employee behavior and/or productivity.
Examples of critical incidents in the workplace include but are not limited to:
- Suicide or sudden death
- Homicide
- Robbery
- Fire/explosion
- Hostage situation
- Physical/sexual assaults
- Violent act/threats of violence
- Worksite accidents
- Industrial and natural disasters
Employees and managers who experience, witness, or who are involved in a critical incident at UAB should immediately contact the EACC during normal business hours at 205-934-2281. If an incident occurs after normal business hours or on the weekend, contact the UAB EACC emergency counselor on-call through UAB Paging at 205-934-3411.
One-at-a-Time Therapy (OAAT) is an evidence-based therapy model designed to address a specific issue in one session. OAAT enables you to develop strategies for moving forward in a single, goal-oriented therapy session. Research has shown that for many people attending one session of therapy is enough to help them get started on the changes they want to make in their lives or to take steps to address the issues that are causing them concern.
OAAT is not focused on the roots of the issue or history of the problem; it is focused on gaining immediate, helpful insights and discovering the steps you can take right now to make changes in your life.
OAAT is available for clients seeking individual, couples and family counseling.
One-At-A-Time Therapy FAQs
Select a question below to learn more...
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What can I expect from an OAAT session?
During a One-at-a-Time Therapy (OAAT) session at the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center, you will meet with a counselor for one session with no commitment to return and with the understanding that while you may choose to meet only once, more services are available if needed.
During this single session, you and the counselor will meet with the focused intention of helping you deal with your most pressing current issue/problem by focusing on possible options or solutions, and creating a plan of action based on your strengths and available resources.
The goal of OAAT is for you to leave the session with new ideas and strategies to try out and to allow you time to put these into action. At the end of this session, your counselor will arrange a follow up phone call to find out how the new ideas and strategies are working out and to discuss options for additional support. If you feel you need additional support, you may opt for additional services at that time. The research shows that about 50 percent of individuals find that this single session meets their needs, while about 50 percent opt for additional services.
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When is OAAT appropriate?
The One-at-a-Time Therapy (OAAT) approach may be used for a wide range of issues. In fact, many people find that regardless of the issue that they are struggling with, one session of therapy can be enough to help them get unstuck and begin moving forward again.
Issues that may be suited for the OAAT approach include:
- Life transitions
- Break-ups
- Decision making
- Relationship challenges
- A recent conflict
- Time management
- Stress and anxiety management
- Concerns about a friend or loved one who is having a difficult time
- Immediate concerns in your life that that you are ready to tackle with a plan of action
Couples and Family OAAT Therapy Topics (90-minute session):
- Communication
- Parenting challenges
- Financial decisions
- Boundaries
- Family conflict
OAAT is not recommended for:
- Crisis interventions
- Counseling emergencies
- Chronic mental health problems
- Prolonged self-exploration
- Persistent/habitual issues
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Is OAAT a good fit for you?
People choose One-at-a-Time Therapy (OAAT) for many of the same reasons they choose to attend ongoing counseling and other services. The focus of OAAT, however, is on addressing your most pressing concern in a contained and focused approach, drawing on your strengths and resources, creating strategies for you to try, and giving you time to put those strategies in place.
OAAT may also be good fit for you if:
- You have a good understanding of what your issue is, but you just can’t figure out what to do about it.
- You are action-oriented and are looking for strategies to implement quickly.
- You want to try out therapy and learn how talk therapies help by addressing thoughts, feelings and behaviors created by personal circumstances, psychological issues and/or life events.
- You want to touch-base with a counselor about a specific issue but do not need a traditional course of long or short-term counseling.
OAAT is not a substitute for ongoing therapy or a quick fix for bigger issues. It is an evidence-based option for issues that are happening right now and that you are ready to act to solve in the present moment.
Make an Appointment
To schedule a single One-at-a-Time Therapy session complete the One-at-a-Time Intake Form on the New Client Forms page.
Once you submit this document, an EACC staff member will contact you to set up an appointment. After your OAAT session, you will have time to reflect upon your insights and try out the strategies you develop. The therapist will schedule a brief follow-up session a few weeks after your OAAT appointment to check in and see how your strategies are working and to provide further resources if needed. If you opt for additional services, the therapist will discuss available services and resources at that time.
The UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center (EACC) offers confidential support services for Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate household. A dedicated team of certified counselors, an extensive collection of online resources and a schedule of programs and events are all designed to help you identify, understand and resolve work-related and personal issues to help you achieve successful work/life integration.
Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate households are eligible for unlimited free counseling and life coaching sessions. Explore the tabs below to learn more about the EACC services available to you.
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Counseling Services
The EACC offers individual, couples and family counseling to help Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate household resolve work-related and personal problems. Our staff includes counselors specializing in marriage and family counseling, play therapy, group counseling, alcohol and drug abuse aftercare, critical incident stress management, aging and caregiver issues, employee assistance, career counseling, art therapy and more.
Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate household are eligible for unlimited counseling sessions.
New to the EACC? Visit the New Client Instructions & Forms page and select the appropriate link under Intake Forms to submit intake paperwork online. Paperwork should be completed by the individual seeking counseling; parents/guardians should complete forms for children ages 12 to 15. Starting January 1, 2026, the EACC will no longer see children ages 5 to 11.
An EACC team member will reach out to you within three (3) business days of receiving your paperwork to schedule your appointment. If you do not hear from us in that time, feel to give us a call at 205-934-2281.
Other Counseling Services- One-At-A-Time Therapy: Enables you to develop strategies for moving forward in a single, goal-oriented therapy session.
- Financial Counseling: An individualized financial wellness counseling session will help you gain a better understanding of your financial situation, while teaching you the best options for managing your finances and paying off debt.
- Tobacco Cessation: If you need extra support when you’re ready to quit smoking, the EACC offers tobacco cessation coaching with a licensed mental health professional.
- TeleHealth Counseling: TeleHealth services are available to Homewood City School System employees via a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform. EACC's staff includes certified distance credentialed counselors, trained in best practices for delivering traditional counseling through technological means.
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Life Coaching
Life coaching is for the person who needs guidance with personal goals and just doesn’t know where to start or for the person who has had problems achieving personal goals. Your EACC life coach will assist you with plan development and provide support as a partner in your vision for self-improvement.
Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate household are eligible for unlimited life coaching sessions. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-872-2327 or 205-934-2281.
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Programs & Events
The EACC supports you in achieving successful work-life integration in all areas of life by offering informational classes, support groups, and psycho-educational and stress management programs.
EACC programs and events are offered at no cost to Homewood City School System employees and members of their immediate household. Check the EACC Events Calendar for a complete schedule of upcoming events.
- Self Care Studio: A collaboration between the EACC and UAB Arts in Medicine that offers participants a space to enhance creativity and focus on personal wellness.
- Mental Health First Aid: Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Participants will learn common signs and symptoms, how to interact with a person in crisis and connect them with help, and additional information on trauma, substance use and self-care.
- QPR for Suicide Prevention: QPR offers hope through positive action. As a trained QPR Gatekeeper, you will learn to recognize the warning signs of people in trouble and will have the tools to act vigorously to possibly prevent a suicide.
- Healthy Aging: In partnership with Senior Care Authority, the EACC's eldercare education series addresses the issues important to employees with caregiving responsibilities at home.
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Online Resources
Code Blaze Resources
Through the Code Blaze program, the EACC provides quick access to community and online resources, including an extensive catalog of tools for solving stressful situations, relaxation and techniques for managing difficult emotions.
Mindful Living NewsletterSelect a topic below:
- The State of Mental Health in Alabama
- What Does Stress Mean to You?
- Tips for Managing ‘Sandwich’ Caregiving Responsibilities
- Quick Tips for Self-Care
- Goal Setting in the New Year
- Preventing Identity Theft
- Building Assertiveness Skills
- Understanding Domestic Violence
- Understanding Suicide: Awareness, Action & Support
- Before You Quit Your Job
- Strategies for Improved Mental Health
- Tips for Managing Stress
- Resolving Coworker Conflicts
- Is Psychotherapy Right for You?
- Holiday Stress Tips
- Balancing Work & Family Life
- Understanding Domestic Violence
- Coping with the Blues
- Becoming an Askable Parent
- Support BIPOC Mental Health Month
- Coping with Crisis
- Building Your Coping Toolbox
- Tips for Stress Awareness Month
- Caring for Long-Distance Loved Ones
- Giving Couples Counseling a Try
- Tips for a Successful New Year
- Managing Grief during the Holidays
- Inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ Community
- Manging ADHD in Adulthood
- Preventing Suicide in Teens
- Tips for Back-to-School
- Small Acts of Self Care
- Maternal Mental Health
- Stress Management
- Sleep Awareness
- Chronic Illness & Mental Health
Information is confidential and shared only with your written consent, except where required by law. Only EACC staff members have access to confidential client records.
HR Updates
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Use or lose personal holidays
Under UAB policy, personal holidays for non-essential employees are awarded July of each year and must be used by the end of June the following calendar year. UAB biweekly paid full-time regular employees in non-essential services must take any...
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UAB HR closed Friday, May 15 for annual team meeting
UAB Human Resources will be closed on Friday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the annual in-person HR Team Meeting. Topics of discussion will include strategies for renewal within HR, digital accessibility standards, and updates on the UAB...
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Deadlines and information on vacation accrual rollover for exempt monthly employee
Any vacation accrual balances in excess of the total maximum accrual for exempt monthly employees will rollover to sick accruals on January 1, 2026, in accordance with HR Policy 301: Vacation. The rollover will reflect approved time off requests...
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Updates announced for Educational Assistance, Holidays and Severance Pay policies
An update to HR Policy 319: Educational Assistance Program expanding the program’s eligibly went into effect this month, and two more HR policies will soon be updated in the UAB Policies and Procedures Library. HR Policy 319: Educational Assistance...
